It’s been quite some time since my last visit to Tommy Bahama in Newport Beach. A new executive chef, and new menu items mean it’s time for a check in.
We started with the new Halibut Ceviche ($18) which is packed with so many flavors. The coconut mango broth is nice and tart, with aji amarillo adding a beautiful bright yellow hue. The combination of avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onions, red quinoa, red Fresno chiles, and cilantro creates a refreshing mouthful with varying textures that’s not only delicious, but also, mouth-puckering good.
My friend orders Filet Mignon Flatbread ($17) which is topped with not only chunks of tender filet mignon, but also, bacon, garlic aioli, honey roasted onions, gruyere, and crispy shiitakes. The lemon arugula adds brightness and cuts the heaviness of this appetizer.
There were so many items which jumped out at us. One of my favorites of the evening is Cilantro & Ginger Crusted Mahi Mahi ($29.50) which sees a perfectly executed piece of fish atop crispy furikake rice cake. A savory shrimp broth surrounds the star of the plate. Sauteed squash and carrots complete this very well-rounded dish.
Another solid item is Miso Glazed Ora King Salmon ($31) which epitomizes what Californian cuisine is all about. The use of Asian ingredients such as caramelized shiitake mushrooms, charred baby bok choy, kizami nori, and citrus miso vinaigrette all come together for an Asian-inspired dish that will appeal to everyone.
Thai Shrimp and Scallops ($29.50) is a dish I will order time and time again. The shrimp sits on a bed of almond rice with the scallops around it. Hints of lemongrass add fragrance, while I couldn’t get enough of the coconut curry reduction, wanting more of it to eat with the rice. It would have been an absolutely perfect dish had there been twice the amount of coconut curry sauce!
If you’re a meat lover, get the Filet Mignon ($38 – 8oz/$31.50 – 6oz) with roasted mushrooms, blue cheese, and cauliflower-potato mash. I’m not a fan of mashed potatoes so this version is fantastic. The cauliflower cuts the heaviness of mash potatoes, yet still possesses a lot of piquancy.
This week, I have not one, but TWO $100 gift certificates to give away for your chance to experience Tommy Bahama Island Grille for yourself. Please leave your FULL name with a comment as to why you should win. Entries close on Friday, August 17th, 2018.
Tommy Bahama’s Island Grille
Corona del Mar Plaza
854 Avocado Ave
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Tel: 949-760-8686
Never been, but always wanted to go and try it out for a date night! Thanks for the chance. Surbhi Kasbaum
I’ve never been. I’d love to take my husband for our 22 year anniversary. It looks delicious and like a special meal.
Great date night with my husband..I already know what I would order!
Thoroughly enjoy your food blog!!! Consider myself a foodie, but you have introduced me to many restos I would not have ventured in to. Thanx a bunch!!!😋😋😋
Thank you so much for reading!
congratulations, you are the winner. please check your email for more details.
Eating at Tommy Bahama would be the closest thing to living the “island life” for my Irvine existence!
Cilantro & Ginger Crusted Mahi Mahi looks amazing!!
I would love to try this restaurant!
I would love to try the Filet Mignon Flatbread. Looks delicious.
I have only eaten here once and it was great. I would love to try it again.
Wow, great job on this review! I feel like I have already tasted all of these dishes in my mind. Thank you so much. Please consider me for one these generous gift card giveaways.
congratulations, you have won the $100 gift certificates. please check your email for more information.
I am excited! Can’t wait to use this generous gift card. Thank you!
Enjoy!
I’d love to eat here again because they were so wonderful in accommodating my child’s food allergies previously. Plus the food was delicious!
Never been, would love to try the filet mignon.
Would love to win for my birthday which is later this month…
I honestly forgot about this restaurant until I read your article. Thank you for the reminder. Everything looks delicious and I would love to take my husband there.
Houman Jazaeri – would like to take the wife on a date night. I can’t think of a better place that Tommy Bahamas for a night out.
I’ve never been and would like to take my wife out for date night.
Would really like to win so I can take the kids since they’ve never been and their coconut shrimp is the bomb. For myself, would love a few of their cocktails becuase it’s that good. Oh I hope I win!
Would love to try their food after your post. Evelyn Diaz
I haven’t beenin a while as well. Would love to try the new executive chef’s creations!
I have never been to Tommy Bahama’s your pictures and descriptions make me put it on my list of must tries. Thanks for giving me restaurant ideas and being honest in your descriptions.
The Filet Mignon Flatbread looks so good. I’d love to try it.
Well, another upscale restaurant I’ve never been to, and normally wouldn’t be able to afford. Since I’m volunteering at the Hyatt Summer Jazz Series Newport, this would be a most pleasing gastronomical pit stop. Besides, who doesn’t like Thai Shrimp and Scallops in a coconut curry sauce anyway?
Thai Shrimp and Scallops looks really good. I’d love to try this restaurant out!
I should win because this contest ends on me and Veronica’s anniversary and we are trying to figure out where to go! I also need the halibut ceviche and mahi mahi in my life….
I would love to try this restaurant out. The food looks yummy and I need a date night after a long week of work.